Villa Amistades

Villa Amistades enjoys a fabulous location offering astounding views down to the sea. This exceptional villa is nestled in the hills between Marbella and the charming village of Istan, within an exclusive gated community. The villa is 15 km from Marbella, 8 km from the excellent Manolo Santana Tennis Club, 25 km from Puerto Banus and 70 km from Malaga airport.

The village of Istan boasts a fascinating history going back its Moorish origin. After the Christian reconquest in the 15th century, Arabs were barred from living close to the sea though they were allowed to stay in Istan. There were many turbulent years and the Arab population eventually dwindled, being replaced by Christian settlers from Castile and Murcia. Very little remains of Moorish Istan, just the crumbling remains of a tower hidden in a side street in the highest part of the village. Like many mountain villages, transport used to be a mule and packhorse so the village streets are narrow. The village enjoys a friendly, charming ambience. The Museo del Agua offers an insight into the vital role water plays in life. The old wash house is situated in Calle Chorro where the surrounding houses are draped in bougainvillea and roses. The fountain boasts six jets which are still fed by ancient Arabice water channels. The modern Esfera Fountain was built to remind everyone that water is such an essential element of the landscape that surrounds the village. Istan is one of the access points to the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park. Lake Istan, on the Verde River water course, was formed when dams and reservoirs were formed to provide water for Marbella and the Costa del Sol. Water is collected from the mountains and flows into the sea just east of Puerto Banus. There are plenty of animals found in the lake including otters, the marbled newt, tree frogs, rainbow trout and catfish. Fishing and canoeing are very popular.

A little further over, the Benahavis Hills are surrounded by prestigious golf courses including Los Arqueros, La Quinta, El Higueral, Guadalmina and Los Naranjos. Benahavis, known as the ‘Gastronomic Corner of Andalucia’, boasts many high class restaurants scattered along its picturesque, narrow, winding streets. It is home to the Sabor, a Malaga catering school. Many of the dishes in the restaurants are Spanish but with a modern twist. One of the most typical dishes is marinated pork fillet following a very traditional recipe but you will also find fresh fish from Estapona and Marbella and cuisine from many corners of the world. Benahavis boasts a lovely car boot style Sunday market in the grounds of a shrine. Benahavis’ Holy Week has some of the loveliest processions on the Costa del Sol. The annual Benahavis Fair takes place in August and the whole village enjoys processions, fairground rides, fireworks, eating and drinking. There are also summer concerts and culinary events in the many Benahavis restaurants.

Within minutes, guests staying at Villa Amistades can be relaxing on the Costa del Sol’s sunkissed beaches or living it up in the celebrity hotspots of Puerto Banus and Marbella. The Costa del Sol boasts twenty three stunning, sandy beaches along its 27 kms of gorgeous coastline. With 325 sunny days, the climate is fantastic and perfect for beach days. Many of the beaches enjoy fabulous watersports and chic beach bars.

The hot-spot, celebrity watching, glamorous town of Marbella boasts its share of Michelin-starred restaurants, sandy beaches, manicured golf courses, bustling marinas and glitzy entertainment. The Arabic characteristics and balconies, adorned with vibrant, colourful flowers, of Plaza de los Naranjos in the old part of Marbella are totally captivating. The square’s restaurants place their tables in a small formal garden bordered by orange trees. Visitors enjoy a labyrinth of narrow pedestrian streets and beautiful plazas full of trendy, upmarket bars, restaurants and exclusive shops offering souvenirs, olive oil, local pottery and lace. The buildings are all whitewashed, wrapped in bougainvillea and topped with terracotta roofs, many dating back to the renaissance. Alameda Park is just a few steps south of the Old Town and feels like a private garden. There are marble walkways, fountains and benches, all under a thick canopy of lush tropical greenery. Many of the benches are clad with azuleos, classic Andalusian hand-printed tiles. The handsome walkway, Avenida del Mar, leads from the park to Playa de la Venus, next to Marbella’s first class marina. It is sprinkled with towering palm trees and bronze sculptures designed by Salvador Dali. The central Plaza de la Iglesia is very beautiful and often hosts vibrant markets and concerts. Besides the typical Andalusian cultural events, there are annual festivals dedicated to music including the Marbella International Opera Festival held in August, the Marbella Reggae Festival in July plus the Marbella International Film Festival in June.

The celebrated Puerto Banus was designed and built in 1970 by local property developer Jose Banus. Puerto Banus is famous for its marina, designer shopping, dining and celebrity spotting. It is a playground for the rich with plenty of Ferraris parked outside the glamorous eateries and luxury yachts moored in the marina. The luxury Sala Beach and Ocean Club Marbella are just two of the upmarket beach clubs offering delicious cocktails, plenty of champagne, gastronomic delights and attentive staff.  

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